Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to folding, collapsible structures and, more particularly, to a room attached to a collapsible, shelter structure.
Portable rooms, such as tents or screened rooms, can be transported and set up for various purposes. For example, a tent may be used for camping. As another example, a screened room may be used as a shelter that secures the occupants from the elements while providing a view of the surrounding environment. In yet another example, a room may be erected for a crime scene investigation, medical treatment, or as a clean area. Conventional portable rooms include fabric that is erected with poles, ropes, and stakes. Although conventional portable rooms are easily transported, the assembly may be cumbersome.
To improve the assembly, portable rooms may be integrated with temporary shelters to improve the stability while also reducing the assembly time. The temporary shelters may have a frame of X-shaped links, telescoping legs, and a canopy covering the frame. The legs of the shelter are capable of telescoping to approximately twice their stowed length, and the frame of X-shaped links may horizontally extend between the legs to support a canopy. The frame can be constructed of lightweight material, and the telescoping legs can be extended to raise the frame of the shelter.
In conventional systems, the walls and the roof of the portable room are attached to the frame of the temporary shelter. The frame of a conventional temporary shelter is rigid. Thus, when a portable room is attached to a portable shelter, the resulting structure may be unstable when faced with wind or other elements. It is desirable to provide a canopy shelter with improved stability in view of wind or other elements.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a portable room is disclosed. The portable room includes multiple sides. The portable room also includes a roof attached to the multiple sides. The portable room further includes a flexible strap attached to the roof. The flexible strap includes a fastener to attach to a peak structure of a portable shelter.
Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.
The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.
Based on the teachings, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.
Although particular aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses or objectives. Rather, aspects of the disclosure are intended to be broadly applicable to different technologies, system configurations, networks and protocols, some of which are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
As shown in
It is desirable to provide a system to improve a customer's ability to attach various structures to a shelter. Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a multi-point attachment system that provides multiple points in a shelter for securely fastening a structure, such as a flag, banner, side skirt, tent, etc., to the shelter's frame. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the multi-point attachment system provides a solution for a customer to attach different structures to the interior and/or exterior of the frame.
In one configuration, the multi-point attachment system provides attachment points at a center of a shelter as well as corners of the shelter. Of course, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to providing attachment points at the center and all corners, as various configurations are contemplated based on a customer's need.
Some shelters may have a roof structure that is elevated with a telescoping peak beam. The peak beam may be connected to a bracket (e.g., center bracket) with multiple sockets. The sockets may receive one end of the peak beam as well as ends of truss links. In one configuration, one or more attachment points are provided at the center bracket.
Additionally, the center bracket 200 includes multiple side sockets 206 extending from the body of the center bracket 200. In one configuration, each socket is at substantially right angles from an adjacent socket 206.
Each socket 206 is coupled to a truss link 204 via a bolt 222 or other type of fastener. The truss links 204 may pivot within the respective sockets 206. In one configuration, to allow a truss link 204 to pivot when coupled to a socket 206, the sockets 206 include three sides (e.g., two arms 216 and a base 218). Furthermore, as shown in
As shown in
Furthermore, as shown in
As previously discussed, a center bracket may include attachment points (e.g., handles) for a multi-point attachment center. In one configuration, attachment points are defined on leg brackets of a shelter. The attachment points on the leg brackets may be provided alternate to or in addition to the attachment points of the center bracket.
The leg bracket 400 includes multiple sockets 404 extending outward from a body 412 of the leg bracket 400. Each socket 404 may be at substantially right angle from an adjacent socket 404. Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to two sockets 404 as shown in
An end of a link member 408 is received in each socket 404 of the leg bracket 400. The end of the link member 408 may be pivotally connected to the socket 404. Specifically, the end of the link member 408 may be attached to the socket via a bolt 424 or other attachment. The socket 404 of the leg bracket 400 includes two arms 416. As a roof and a floor are not defined for each socket 404 of the leg bracket 400, the link member 408 may pivot in an up or down direction.
In one configuration, a handle 410 (e.g., attachment point) is defined below each socket 404. A first end of the handle 410 may be attached to a bottom of one arm 416 of the socket 404 and a second end of the handle 410 may be attached to the body 412 of the leg bracket 400. Each handle 410 may be adaptable to receive a fastener 414. As previously discussed, the fastener 414 is adapted to be connected to material of a structure via a strap or other type of connector. The leg bracket 400 is not limited to receiving link members and may receive telescoping pole members or other structures of a frame of a shelter.
In one configuration, legs 508 are provided at each corner to erect the frame. The legs 508 may be telescoping (e.g., extendable). That is, each leg 508 may comprise a telescoping lower section 520 that extends from a hollow upper section 522. The telescoping lower section 520 may be slidably disposed within the telescoping lower section 520. Each telescoping lower section 520 has a foot 540 for engagement with the ground. Additionally, a perimeter truss frame 550 is connected to the legs 508 via brackets 524, 526 to stabilize and support the frame of the shelter 500. The perimeter truss frame 550 may also be referred to as a perimeter truss framework.
The perimeter truss frame 550 may include multiple outer truss links 552 and multiple inner truss links 554. Two outer truss links 552 may form an outer truss link pair. The outer truss links 552 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to each other at a cross-link joint 536, such as in a scissor configuration. In one configuration, a first end of each outer truss link 552 is pivotally connected to a leg 508 via either a leg bracket 524 or a sliding bracket 526. That is, a first end of one outer truss link 552 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to a socket of the leg bracket 524. Each socket of the leg bracket 524 may include an attachment point (e.g., handle) for receiving a fastener (see
As shown in
The shelter 500 may include a peak beam 532 for supporting a roof structure (not shown), such as a canopy. The peak beam 532 may be attached to a center bracket 528. The peak slider 518 may also be slidably attached to the peak beam 532. In one configuration, a peak pole 534 is telescoping (e.g., extendable) from the peak beam 532. That is, the peak beam 532 may be hollow so that the peak pole 534 may extend upward from the peak beam 532. The peak pole 534 may be slidably disposed within the peak beam 532. Additionally, the peak pole 534 may include a top bracket 538 for engaging a roof structure, such as a canopy.
The top bracket 538 may also include attachment points. In one configuration, a sail banner may be attached to an attachment point of the top bracket 538 and an attachment point on one or more leg brackets 524. Additionally, or alternatively, the sail banner may be attached to other components of the shelter. The sail banner may be used to display information on the interior of the shelter 500. In one configuration, a roof material may be placed on the shelter 500. In this configuration, the roof structure is placed over the sail banner, such that only the roof structure is visible from the exterior of the shelter 500, while both the roof structure and the sail banner are visible from the interior of the shelter 500.
Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to two outer truss link pairs per side. The number of outer truss link pairs, per side, may be less than or greater than two. For example, as shown in
Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the shelters of
In one configuration, legs 608 are provided at each corner to erect the shelter 600. The legs 608 may be telescoping (e.g., extendable). That is, each leg 608 may comprise a telescoping lower section 624 that extends from a hollow upper section 622. The telescoping lower section 624 may be slidably disposed within the hollow upper section 622. A slider 628, such as a slider with a pull pin, may be used to extend the telescoping lower section 624 from the hollow upper section 622. Each telescoping lower section 624 has a foot 640 for engagement with the ground. Additionally, a perimeter truss frame 616 is connected to the legs 608 for stability and support.
The perimeter truss frame 616 may include multiple outer truss links 612. Two pivotally connected outer truss links 612 may form an outer truss link pair. The outer truss links 612 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to each other at a cross-link joint 636, such as in a scissor configuration. In one configuration, a first end of each outer truss link 612 is pivotally connected to a leg 608 via a sliding bracket 664 or a leg bracket 668. Specifically, the first end of one outer truss link 612 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to a socket of a sliding bracket 664. The first end of another outer truss link 612 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to a socket of the leg bracket 668, such that each outer truss link 612 is pivotally connected to a corresponding leg 608. The leg bracket 668 and/or the sliding bracket 664 may include one or more attachment points (see
As shown in
The lower peak truss links 632 may provide support to a corresponding (e.g., adjacent) upper peak truss link 614. The upper peak truss links 614 form a peak for supporting a roof structure (not shown), such as a canopy. The lower peak truss links 632 and/or upper peak truss links 614 may be made of a rigid material or flexible material. The truss links may form a dome shape roof, a pyramid shape roof, or other type of roof
As shown in
The lower peak truss links 654 may provide support to a corresponding (e.g., adjacent) upper peak truss link 652. The upper peak truss links 652 and lower peak truss links 654 form a dome for supporting a roof structure (not shown), such as a canopy. The lower peak truss links 654 and the upper peak truss links 652 may be a flexible material. For example, the lower peak truss links 654 and the upper peak truss links 652 may be flexible rods, such as composite fiber rods. The flexibility improves wind resistance.
As an example, a tent shelter, such as a cube tent, gazebo, or a structure with a roof, may be erected within the shelter 650. In one configuration, the tent shelter may have a cube shape and the sides of the tent shelter may be attached to attachment points on the leg brackets 602. Furthermore, a strap may be attached to the roof of the structure and an attachment point of the dome center bracket 656. The dome of the shelter 650 may then be covered with a roof fabric. The flexibility of the upper peak truss links 652 as well as the connection between the roof of the tent shelter and the dome of the shelter 650 improves the wind resistance of the structure. Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to erecting a tent shelter in shelters with flexible peak truss links, as the tent shelter may be erected in any type of shelter with a multi-point attachment system.
As previously discussed, a conventional portable room, such as a tent, may be assembled by erecting fabric using poles, stakes, and/or rope.
As is known to those of skill in the art, erecting the conventional portable room 800 via the poles 808 is cumbersome and time consuming. Furthermore, the conventional portable room 800 may have a low profile (e.g., low height). The low profile may reduce instability caused by wind or other elements. Still, the low profile of the portable room 800 reduces an amount of space that is available.
To increase an amount of space, the length of the poles 808 may be increased to provide a higher arch for the portable room 800. The higher arch may increase the amount of space within the portable room 800. Still, as the arch increases, the wind stability decreases. Additionally, or alternatively, the footprint of the portable room 800 may increase. That is, a perimeter of the fabric 802 may be increased. However, as the footprint increase, the wind stability decreases.
In some cases, to increase an amount of space and to also reduce assembly time, conventional portable rooms may be attached to an erectable frame.
As shown in
A center of the roof 906 may be attached to the center bracket 916 via a center fastener 918. The center fastener 918 may latch onto the center bracket 916. Alternatively, the center fastener 918 may be tied to a fastener of the center bracket 916. In this example, the roof 906 extends at an upward angle that is similar to an angle of the peak of the frame 902. Still, the roof 906 and the angle of the peak may be substantially flat. A canopy (not shown) may be placed over the peak links 912 to provide additional protection from the elements. The peak links 912 of the frame 902 are made of rigid tubes, such as metal or fiberglass. That is, the peak links 912 are not flexible.
As shown in
Although the portable rooms 900, 950 of
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a portable room and shelter with improved wind resistance. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure reduce assembly time based on the use of various brackets provided on a frame of a shelter.
In one configuration, to improve wind resistance, a flexible center strap connects a roof of the portable room to peak links of a frame. The connection between the portable room and the peak links via the flexible center strap provides flexibility to the portable room and the frame, thereby improving wind resistance.
In one configuration, a flexible strap 1010 is attached to a roof of the portable room 1000. When assembling the portable room 1000, the flexible strap 1010 may be attached to one or more peak links 1006. At block 1030, the flexible strap 1010 is attached to two flexible peak links 1006. An end of the flexible strap 1010 may split into a first arm 1010A and a second arm 1010B. Each arm 1010A, 1010B may attach to a different peak link 1006. The arms 1010A, 1010B may also attach to handles (not shown) of a center bracket 1014 (See
By attaching the flexible strap 1010 to the flexible peak links 1006 or the handle of the center bracket 1014, the wind resistance of the portable room is increased based on the flexibility of the flexible strap 1010 and the flexible peak links 1006. The flexible peak links 1006 may also attach to rigid peak links (See
As shown in
Additionally, as shown in
Furthermore, as shown in
As shown in
In another configuration, the sidewalls 1032 may be airtight. That is, the sidewalls 1032 may provide a sealed enclosure such that elements within the portable room 1000 do not venture into an exterior environment of the portable room 1000. The airtight portable room 1000 may be used as a forensics lab (e.g., crime scene lab). The airtight portable room 1000 may also be used as a decontamination chamber. In this example, an input hose may provide water to a shower fixture within the interior of the portable room 1000 and a drainage hose may drain water from the interior of the portable room 1000. The portable room 1000 may have many other uses. A size of the portable room 1000 is not limited to the sizes discloses herein. The portable room 1000 may be larger or smaller.
According to aspects of the present disclosure, attachment points are defined within an interior of the portable room. The attachment points may be rings or other types of attachment points. Each attachment point may be attached to a strap. Furthermore, each strap may be attached to an edge where an interior sidewall meets the ceiling. The attachment points may be defined around an upper perimeter of the interior of the portable room. Additionally, or alternatively, the attachment points may be defined on other portions of the portable room.
Various object may be attached to the attachment points. For example, a basket may be attached to multiple attachment points. As discussed herein, the attachment points are defined on an edge where a sidewall attaches to a ceiling. As such, the basket may be elevated (e.g., lofted) above the ground to prevent the content of the basket from being placed on a floor of the portable room. The basket may include three adjustable straps. Each adjustable strap may be attached to a fastener for attaching to an attachment point.
For increased storage room, a multi-level shelf may be attached to the attachment points. For example, the multi-level shelf may include multiple shelf pockets.
The multi-level shelf 1300 includes multiple walls 1306. The floor 1330 of each shelf pocket 1302 is attached to the walls 1306. The walls 1306 may attach at an angle, such that the walls 1306 extend outward from a middle portion of the multi-level shelf 1300. The walls 1306 may be a mesh material. A corner adjustable strap 1310 is attached at an upper outer corner of each wall 1306. A middle adjustable strap 1314 may also be attached at a corner where the two walls 1306 attach.
To improve the stability of the shelf pocket 1302, a middle adjustable strap 1314 may extend down a middle portion of the multi-level shelf 1300 to a last shelf pocket 1302. The middle adjustable strap 1314 may attach to each lip 1304, which adds support to each shelf pocket 1302. A fastener 1312 may be attached to each adjustable strap 1310, 1314. Each fastener 1312 may attach to an attachment point 1316, shown in
As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.
The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.
It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus described above without departing from the scope of the claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/664,855, entitled “PORTABLE ROOM,” filed on Apr. 30, 2018, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20190330876 A1 | Oct 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62664855 | Apr 2018 | US |